Eriksen: More freedom since AVB left

Christian Eriksen has revealed that Tottenham are enjoying the freedom being given to them by new manager Tim Sherwood and his assistants since they took over from Andre Villas-Boas.

Villas-Boas was dismissed as boss and replaced by Sherwood on an 18-month deal, and Eriksen insists Sherwood has brought a different dimension to the side.

"The coach has told us to play more free," Eriksen said. "We have seen that in the games [since Villas-Boas left]. The new coach told us it looked like we were a little bit afraid and says we shouldn't be afraid.

"He said we should just play and see that we are good. If we dare we have a really good team and really good chances. I think what you see now is how we should play."

Meanwhile, Eriksen has urged his team-mates to go on the offensive when they take on Manchester United on New Year's Day, after insisting he is "not afraid" by any challenge on the Spurs horizon heading into 2014.

Eriksen turned in an impressive performance in Tottenham's 3-0 win against Stoke on Sunday and he believes the more adventurous attacking style being promoted by Sherwood can reap rewards at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

"I think we should go to United and just play like we did against Stoke, just play free," he said. "We will still get space and we just have to take our chances."

Eriksen has a notable win against United on his own record after being a part of the Ajax side that recorded a Europa League win at Old Trafford in February 2012, while Spurs also have fond memories of their last trip to the Theatre of Dreams, as Gareth Bale inspired them to a 3-2 win last season.

"Of course, United are a better team than Stoke and we have full respect for them, but I think we can get something from the game. I think if we play our own game we can make any team have a difficult evening," Eriksen said.

"I am not afraid of anybody. Our rivals have quality, but we do also. I believe the quality is equal. We just have to play our own game.

"We still have our goals to be in the top four. That is the first thing we want to achieve and after that see what happens. We have to keep doing what we are doing and see what is going to happen."

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